Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich is considering a run for Senate in 2012 following Sen. Jeff Bingaman&rsquo;s announcement last week that he would not seek re-election in New Mexico, the House Member said Sunday.

&ldquo;I have not yet made a decision, but together with my wife Julie, I plan to actively consider running,&rdquo; Heinrich said in a statement. &ldquo;Jeff Bingaman and I share a passionate concern for this great state and its people, and my decision will be based on whether I believe I can best serve New Mexico in the House or in the Senate.&rdquo;

Heinrich called Bingaman (D) a &ldquo;friend and mentor.&rdquo; The five-term Senator had been favored for re-election according to recent polling, but he said Friday that &ldquo;the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside and allow someone else to serve.&rdquo;